Flipped Handlebar

There's no particular reason for doing this.  I just wanted to change the look and feel a bit.

I could definitely tell I'm not sitting up as straight as before, but it's still comfortable.

I'm gonna keep it this way for awhile and see how I like it.

UPDATED APRIL 9, 2011: I really like this mod.  It feels way more efficient by grabbing the inner bend of the handlebar like drop bars.  Now I can really put my whole body into hammering the pedals to get the bike up to speed from a dead stop fast.  It's no road bike, but it's a lot better than before.  The best part is I still have the "sit up style" of riding by grabbing the ends of the handlebar.  Wrapping the handlebar with paracord finishes this mod nicely.

UPDATED OCTOBER 27, 2011: I changed my handlebars.

Removed Basket & Added A Milk Crate

Today I removed the front basket and installed a milk crate.  The front basket was nice, but the milk crate looks cooler.  It adds a more urban utility look to the bike. I attached it with a bunch of zip ties.  So far it's holding up.

The "rear rack mod" (plywood seat) was removed before attaching the milk crate.  I could have left it on, but it feels more secure zip tying it directly to the rack.

There was a gap between the locknut to the washer after removing the "basket support bracket" from the headset.  Adding a spacer a little thicker than the bracket did the trick.

UPDATED NOVEMBER 5, 2011: There seems to be a lot of air resistants riding with the front basket, even when it's empty.  With the rear mounted milk crate, I ride with less effort.  I like the milk crate better.  It holds more stuff, and can be easily installed/removed.

UPDATE DECEMBER 5, 2011: I have a better way to mount a milk crate.

Reviews

These are links to some reviews of the Kona AfricaBike. It'll be updated whenever I find new, or interesting ones.

Adam Greenfield's Speedbird

Cyclorama

Fortworthology

Manchester Cycling

MCRcycling

Post Industrial Brambles

Road CC

Not a review, but you gotta read this!

Security

When I take my bike for quick errands I use the "integrated rear wheel lock" and a "chain lock" to secure my bike. If I had to leave it for long time, I'll throw in another U-lock in the mix.

I also have the old "bicycle chain in a inner tube" trick for the saddle. I would also cover the saddle with a plastic bag to hide and "ugly-fy" it a bit if I was gonna leave it locked for a long time.

A professional bike thief will still be able to take the bike or saddle.  The best I can hope for is to slow them down, or make them look for an easier target.

UPDATED APRIL 3, 2011:  I decided to remove some security features.

Retired For The Winter

I've cleaned and lubed the chain with Finish Line Dry Teflon Lube. Now it's hung up for winter storage. I admire the people who tough it out in the winter.

Since I won't be riding for awhile, I'm thinking about possible modifications. Maybe I'll turn it into a light weight road beast with drop bars. Or a touring bike. Maybe a mountain bike with suspension. Oh I know...a cyclocross bike. Hmmm...so many options.

Spotted In The Wild

I saw my first Kona AfricaBike locked to bike rack (downtown Toronto). It was an older model with the removable rear rack. If I wasn't in a car, I would have taken a picture of it. It's strange that I was a little excited to see one. Now I look at bike racks all the time to see if I can spot another one. Weird huh?

Riding A Mountain Bike

It's funny how accustomed I am to the Kona AfricaBike after only one month of riding it. I recently hoped on a mountain bike and was shocked how strange it felt.

The extra reach to the handlebars. The extra pressure on my shoulders and arms. I never notice that before.